Pittsburgh Steelers select Artie Burns: Draft grade

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Artie Burns with the 25th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft

After a standout college career with the Miami Hurricanes that saw him deal with an unspeakable personal tragedy, Artie Burns is now a member of the National Football League. Burns was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft Thursday.

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 193

40-yard dash: 4.46

Notable stat: Was a high school All-American in track and field who also competed internationally

After a stellar career in high school, the Miami native stayed home and played for the Hurricanes. After spending his first season mostly as a backup, Artie Burns cracked the starting lineup for the ‘Canes and quickly become one of the best cornerbacks in the entire ACC.

His 40 tackles and six pass breakups in 2014 were eclipsed by a 2015 season in which he was a second team All-ACC selection with six interceptions, the most by a Hurricanes player since Sean Taylor had 10 picks in 2003.

Sadly, Artie Burns had to deal with the tragic death of his mother, who passed away shortly after having a heart attack days after the team’s loss to the Clemson Tigers. Burns made the decision to turn pro after the season in part to help out his family, including his siblings.

Grade: B+

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